Process for the preparation of an organomercaptophenol from sulfur, a phenol, and an activated olefin or an epoxy compound

ABSTRACT

A process for the preparation of an organomercaptophenol is described which comprises the reaction of sulfur with a phenol carried out in the presence of (1) a base, and (2) an activated olefin or an epoxy compound. The organomercaptophenols produced by this process are useful as monomers in the synthesis of esters, carbonates, ethers, epoxy compounds, among many other chemicals synthesized from monohydric phenols. In addition, the organomercaptophenols are also useful as antioxidants.

This invention relates to a process for the preparation of an organo-mercapto-phenol under reaction conditions which comprise contacting sulfur and a phenol in the presence of (1) a base, and (2) an activated olefin or an epoxy compound. In a preferred embodiment, the process is carried out in the presence of catalytic amounts of an alkali metal base.

Various observations have been made by the prior art regarding reactions between phenolic reactants and sulfur carried out in the presence of a base, such as those described in:

I. A. J. Neale's description of the preparation of monothiobisphenols and oligomeric phenols by the reaction of phenol and sulfur at temperatures of 140°-180°C. during time periods of 6 to 24 hours (Tetrahedron, Vol. 25, Pergamon Press (1969). Printed in Great Britain, pages 4593 to 4597);

II. E. J. Geering's description of the preparation of a phenol-sulfide having an average of at least two sulfur atoms per linkage by the reaction sulfur and a phenolic reactant having at least one ortho position substituted by hydrogen at temperatures of 100°-200°C. during time periods of 1/2 to 15 hours (A. J. Geering, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,647,885);

III. T. Fujisawa's description of the preparation of 4-arylthio-2,6-dialkylphenols by the reaction of 2,6-dialkylphenols and aromatic disulfides carried out at elevated temperatures during time periods of 1/2 to 50 hours in the presence of a solvent (Fujisawa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,697,601, further described by Fujisawa in the article Sulfenylation of Hindered Phenols With Aryl Disulfides, J. Org. Chem., Vol. 38, No. 4 (1973) pages 687-690);

IV. T. Fujisawa, K. Hata, and T. Kojima's description of the preparation of thiobis-2,6-dialkylphenols and polythiobis-2,6-dialkylphenols by the reaction of 2,6-disubstituted sterically hindered phenols with sulfur in an alcohol at room temperatures to 100°C. during time periods of 1/2 to 1 hour (Synthesis, Vol. 1, January 1973, pages 38-39).

Other prior art publications, among others, which relate to the reaction of phenol and sulfur which illustrate the state of the art are the following:

E. J. Geering et al., U.S. Pat. Nos., 3,717,682 and 3,743,680, as well as Rearrangements and Decompositions of Thiobisphenols by A. J. Neale et al., Tetrahedron, Vol. 25, Pergamon Press (1969) Printed in Great Britain, pages 4593-4597.

Essentially, this invention embodies a process for the preparation of an organomercaptophenol which comprises contacting sulfur and a phenol carried out in the presence of (1) a base, and (2) an olefin or an epoxy compound. In a preferred embodiment, the process is carried out in the presence of catalytic amounts of base.

The process of preparing an organomercaptophenol comprises the reaction of any phenol having at least one hydrogen atom in the ortho position relative to the position of the hydroxyl group of the phenol subject to the proviso that any other substituents do not interfere with the formation of an organomercaptophenol in accordance with the reaction parameters of this invention. Among others, phenols suited to the practice of this invention can be described by the following structural formula: ##SPC1##

wherein independently each R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy radicals. Preferably the hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy radicals have from 1 to 30, more preferably from 1 to 15, and even more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Representative of phenols of Formula I., among others, which can be employed are as follows:

phenol (also known as hydroxybenzene)

2-methylphenol (ortho-cresol),

3-methylphenol (meta-cresol),

4-methylphenol (para-cresol),

2,3-dimethylphenol,

2,4,5-trimethylphenol,

2-ethylphenol,

2,4-dimethylphenol,

3,5-dimethylphenol (3,5-xylenol),

the 2-propylphenols (2-n-propyl and 2-sec-propylphenol),

2,4-dipropylphenols (2,4-di-n-propyl and 2,6-di-sec-propylphenol),

the 3,5-dipropylphenols (3,5-di-n-propyl and 3,5-di-sec-propylphenol),

2-n-butylphenol,

2-sec-butylphenol-2,4-di-tert-butylphenol,

the 2,4-dibutylphenols (2,4-di-n-butyl, 2,4-di-sec-butyl, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol),

2-cyclohexylphenol,

the 2,4-dioctylphenols,

the 3,5-dioctylphenols,

the 2,3-didodecylphenols,

the 2-tridecylphenols,

the 2,4-ditridecylphenols,

the 3,5-ditetradecylphenols,

the 2-octadecylphenols,

the 2,4-didocosylphenols,

the 2,4-dihexacosylphenols,

the 3,5-ditriacontylphenols,

2-phenylphenol,

2,4-diphenylphenol,

3,5-diphenylphenol,

2-benzylphenol,

2,4-dibenzylphenol,

4,5-dibenzylphenol,

the 3,5-ditolylphenols,

2-naphthylphenol,

the 2,4-dinaphthylphenols,

2-methoxyphenol,

4-methoxyphenol,

2,4-dimethoxyphenol,

2,5-dimethoxyphenol,

3,5-dimethoxyphenol,

4-ethoxyphenol,

2-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenol,

3,5-diethoxyphenol,

2-butoxyphenol,

2,4-dilauroxyphenol,

2-phenoxyphenol,

2,4-diphenoxyphenol,

3,5-diphenoxyphenol,

2-naphthoxyphenol,

2,4-dibenzyloxyphenol,

3-methyl-5-tert-butylphenol,

the 2-propyl-6-phenylphenols, etc.

The hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy substituents of Formula I can be the same or different and can be selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, and combinations thereof. A preferred phenol reactant class within the practice of this invention are the phenols having R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ substituents selected from hydrogen and the lower alkyl group consisting of C₁₋₂ radicals. Particularly preferred is phenol and the isomeric methylphenols.

My process employs sulfur in any of its elemental forms or as polysulfide ions represented by the generic formula M_(y) S_(x) wherein x is a positive integer at least equal to 2 and wherein M is selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metals as well as ammonium ions R₄ N⁺ where R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon. Preferably elemental sulfur is employed. Because of its economic advantage, elemental sulfur can be employed in any of the commonly known commercial forms, such as bright sulfur (99.5%), dark sulfur (up to 1% carbonaceous material), refined sulfur (99.8%); high purity sulfur (99.97%); sublimed sulfur (flowers of sulfur); flour sulfur, ground refined or crude sulfur in various mesh sizes; and Rubbermakers, a ground special grade.

Any base that can be employed which will dissolve in the phenol reaction mixture and form a metal phenoxide (sometimes referred to as a metal phenolate or phenates). Representative among others, of basic species which can be employed are elemental alkali and alkaline earth metals; ammonium alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxides; salts of strong bases and weak organic acids; etc. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and magnesium metal; ammonium sodium, potassium, lithium, and calcium hydroxide; ammonium sodium, lithium, and barium carbonates, sodium acetate, sodium benzoate, sodium methylate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulfide, sodium tetrasulfide, sodium cyanate, etc. Preferred basic species are the metals sodium and potassium, sodium and potassium hydroxides and salts of sodium and potassium bases and weak organic acids.

In accordance with the process of this invention, in addition to the phenol, sulfur and base, the process is carried out in the presence of a promoter which shifts the equilibrium point of the reaction in favor of the formation of the organomercaptophenol. These promoters are selected from the class consisting of activated olefins and epoxy compounds. Among others, activated olefin compounds may be represented by the Formula II set out hereafter: ##EQU1## wherein independently at least one of the R_(a), R_(b), R_(c) and R_(d) substituents is selected from the electron-attracting group consisting of cyano, i.e., --CN; carbamoyl, i.e., --CON(R')₂ ; oxycarbonyl, i.e., --COOR"; oxohydrocarbyl, i.e., --COR", radicals; wherein independently each R' represents hydrogen, acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, independently R" represents acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals.

Preferably the activated olefins have from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably from 3 to 5 carbon atoms. The olefins may be either mono-or polyolefinic and may be either conjugated or non-conjugated in unsaturation. Among others, representative of activated olefin species are such compounds as acrylamide, α-methylacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N-phenylacrylamide, N,N-diisobutylacrylamide, α-acrylonitrile, α-phenylacrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl n-propyl ether, vinyl n-octyl ether, vinyl n-octadecyl ether, vinylidenecyanide, sometimes referred to as methylene malonitrile, vinyl succinimide, N-vinyl N-methylacetamide, N-vinyl N-phenylacetamide, N-vinyl diglycolylimide, etc. Preferred olefins are monoolefinic C₃ -C₅ carbonitriles, such as acrylonitrile, α-methyl acrylonitrile, α-ethyl acrylonitrile, butyronitrile and α-methylbutyronitrile.

Among others, epoxy compounds can be represented by the Formula III set out hereafter: ##EQU2## wherein independently each R_(e) and R_(f) substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acyclic and cyclic radicals. Preferably, the R_(e) and R_(f) radicals are free of any electron-attracting substituents which can substantially reduce the ease of carbon-oxygen bond breakage. Preferred epoxy compounds are epoxides containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably from 2 to 5 carbon atoms. The epoxides may be mono- or polyepoxy compounds, i.e., compounds which contain more than one reactive epoxy group. Among others, representative of epoxy compounds are such compounds as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 2,3-epoxybutane, 1,2-butyleneoxide, also known as 1,2-epoxybutane, trimethylethylene oxide, tetramethylethylene oxide, butadiene monoxide, styrene oxide, α-methylstyrene oxide, 1,1-diphenylethylene oxide, hexyl glycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether, phenyl glycidyl ether, o-chlorophenyl glycidyl ether, methacrylyl chloride epoxide, glycidyl methacrylate, 1,2-epoxy-4-vinylcyclohexane, 2,3-epoxyoctane; 4-butylphenyl glycidyl ether, dipentene monoxide, α-pinene oxide, etc. Preferred epoxides are C₂ -C₅ monoepoxides, such as ethyleneoxide, propyleneoxide, 1,2-butyleneoxide and trimethylethyleneoxide.

In general, the process can be carried out in the absence of any solvent, e.g. where the phenol acts as both a reactant and as a solvent, or in the presence of any solvent which forms a solution in combination with phenol, sulfur, base and the promoter. In general, in the process of this invention, it is desirable that the solvent employed be selected from a group consisting of any nonpolar or polar solvent subject to the proviso that the solvent employed be substantially free of high dielectric constant solvents i.e., solvents incapable of strong hydrogen bonding to the phenol reactant or any intermediates derived therefrom during the course of the reaction. In general, solvents which are preferably excluded are solvents commonly referred to as polar aprotic solvents which solvents are characterized as solvent species which do not have the capability of donating strong hydrogen bonding to solute species and which have high dielectric constants, e.g., dielectric constants of from about 20 to about 50, or even higher.

Among others, suitable solvents in the process of this invention that can be employed are the following:

A. non- or low-polar solvents such as hexane, 3-methylpentane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, isooctane, p-cymene, cumene, decalin, toluene, benzene, diethylether, diphenyl ether, dioxane, thiophene, dimethylsulfide, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, etc. and mixtures thereof; and

B. medium-polar solvents such as chlorobenzene, anisol, bromobenzene, t-butanol, ethanol, methanol, o-dichlorobenzene, methyl formate, iodobenzene, acetone, acetophenone, etc. and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, it is preferred that the reaction be carried out in the presence of a non- or low polar solvent as defined hereinbefore which is characterized in accordance with solvent polarity scales described in the publication Solute-Solvent Interactions, J. F. Kotese and K. D. Richey (1969) Marcel Dekker, pages 281-282.

Although not wishing the process of this invention or the scope thereof to be limited by any theory, it is believed that both the rate constants and equilibrium constants associated with the process of this invention are related to (1) the promoter employed, and wherein a solvent other than phenol is employed, to (2) the polarity and the dielectric strength of the solvent employed in the preparation of organomercaptophenol. It is also believed that a proton-transfer reaction is involved which transfer rate and equilibrium constant is significantly affected by the the solvent both in its initial and transition state.

In general, as stated hereinbefore, the process of this invention can be carried out under reaction parameters which broadly comprise contacting a phenol, sulfur, an activated olefin or an epoxy compound, in the presence of a base.

The phenol:sulfur mole ratio can vary widely, however, because minimum theoretical stoichiometry requires the reaction of approximately one gram atom of sulfur reacts with one mole of phenol in the preparation of an organomercaptophenol, a minimum mole:gram atom ratio preferably employed is one mole of phenol to one gram atom of sulfur. The reaction can be carried out at any phenol:sulfur ratio such as ratios within the range of from about 1:0.05 to about 1:20, however, preferably ratios within the range of from about 1:0.5 to about 1:5 and more preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:2 are employed.

Any mole ratio of phenol to base can be employed and can be varied widely. In general, suitable ratios include the use of base in catalytic amounts, e.g. wherein the phenol:base mole ratios are as low as 1:0.001 (0.1 mole % based on phenol) as well as noncatalytic amounts, e.g., wherein the phenol:base mole ratios are as high as 1:5 (500 mole % base based on phenol) or even higher. In general, satisfactory phenol:base proportions are within the range of from about 1:0.01 to about 1:2, more preferably from about 1:0.02 to about 1:1.5 and even more preferably from about 1:0.1 to about 1:1.2.

The amount of activated olefin or epoxy compound (hereinafter occasionally referred to as thioadditives) which is employed can be varied over a wide range. In general, suitable phenol to thioadditive mole ratios are within the range of from about 1:0.01 to about 1:100, more preferably from about 1:0.5 to about 1:5 and even more preferably from about 1:2 to about 1:4. In order to reduce the opportunity of olefin or epoxy O-alkylation of the hydroxy group of the reactant phenol or resulting organomercaptophenol reaction product preferably the phenol:thioadditive mole proportions are restricted to mole ratios no greater than about 1:3. In a preferred embodiment, it is preferred that the thioadditive be added to the reaction medium in a programmed manner, i.e. in a manner in which continuously regulates the amount of thioadditive admitted to the reaction medium in order to insure that the equilibrium and rate constants of the reaction favor the formation of the organomercaptophenols rather than the O-alkylation of phenol or organomercaptophenols.

In general, any reaction temperature can be employed wherein the thermal reaction kinetics are not deleterious as to reaction rates, reaction time, yield and/or conversion of the phenol to the desired organomercaptophenol. In general, the reaction temperatures can be varied widely, however, often fall within the range of from about 0°C. to about 200°C., and more often fall within the temperature range of from about 80°C. to about 120°C. The reaction periods also vary widely, however, generally falling within the range of from about 1/2 hour to about 5 hours. The process is preferentially carried out in the presence of an inert atmosphere of nitrogen in order to exclude from the reaction medium any oxygen or oxidizing agents which are well-known to oxidize organic sulfides to sulfoxides or sulfones among other undesirable reaction products.

The amount of solvent when employed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention can be any amount and can vary widely. In general, the solvent to phenol ratio can be within the range of from about 1000:1 to about 0.1:1 preferably from about 100:1 to about 2:1 and even more preferably from about 10:1 to about 5:1. The economic effect of any solvent or solvent mixtures employed on the yield of any major end product, i.e., the organomercaptophenols, as opposed to any other minor end product obtained by the practice of this invention can be readily determined by those skilled in the art by means of simple experimentation.

By the practice of this invention, as described hereinbefore organomercaptophenols and O-alkylated organomercaptophenols are prepared having the following structural formula:

Iv. ##SPC2##

wherein independently each R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) and R_(P) is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy radicals, R_(q) is selected from cyano, carbamoyl, hydrocarbyloxycarbonyl, oxyhydrocarbyl and hydroxy substituted monovalent acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, and R_(z) is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and cyano, carbamoyl, oxycarbonyl, oxyhydrocarbyl and hydroxy substituted monovalent acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals.

Preferably, wherein R_(m), R_(n), R_(o), R_(P) are other than hydrogen, the radicals contain from 1 to 30, more preferably from 1 to 15, and even more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Preferably the R_(q) radical contains from 2 to 30, more preferably from 2 to 15, and even more preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy substituents of IV can be the same or different and can be selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, aryloxy and combinations thereof.

In order that those skilled in the art may better understand my invention, the following examples are given which are illustrative of the best mode of this invention, however, these examples are not intended to limit the invention in any maner whatsoever. In all of the examples, all parts are by weight unless otherwise stated and the following general procedure was employed. For purposes of brevity, only deviations from this procedure will be set out in the examples.

GENERAL PROCEDURE

A solution of phenol, e.g., o-cresol, is charged to a reaction vessel. Base, sodium metal, is added to the phenol solvent mixture and heated to elevated temperatures, e.g., about 100° C. until dissolved. The mixture is cooled, e.g., to a temperature of about 70°-80° C. and sulfur, e.g., elemental sulfur (flowers and sulfur) is added to the reaction mixture. The mixture is heated to elevated temperatures, e.g., about 100° C., and the promoter is added over a 2-4 hour period. The resulting reaction mixture, generally, is not homogeneous and vigorous stirring is required. The mixture is cooled and diluted if necessary with a suitable diluent, e.g., ether and washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and then with water and dried with a suitable drying agent, e.g., MgSO₄. The resulting product is washed after removal of the solvent and is purified by distillation or by recrystallization from a suitable solvent, e.g., acetic acid. The organomercaptophenol recovered is characterized by its melting point in both its crude and purified form, and analyticaly characterized, based upon a correlation between calculated and found carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur of the organomercaptophenol.

If the product desired is the o-alkylate of the organomercaptophenol with one mole of promoter, the reaction mixture after cooling and dilution with a suitable solvent, e.g., ether, is washed with dilute sodium hydroxide to separate any phenolic materials and the residue after drying and removing solvent is distilled to yield pure product.

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Summary of Experimental Data - Run Nos. 1-II                                                                                          Mole Ratios             Run                                                                               Reaction Products     Reactants(R), Base(B), Solvent(S),                                                                           Phenol:Sulfur:          No.                                                                               Composition       Yield                                                                              Promoter(P)        Conv.                                                                             Temp.                                                                              Time                                                                               Base:Promoter           __________________________________________________________________________     1. (a) 2-(2-hydroxypropylthio)phenol                                                                25% (R) phenol,                                                                               94.1g(1.0m)                                                                             65%                                                                              155°C                                                                        1.5                                                                               1:1:0.05:1                 Analysis:calc.:58.69C,6.57H,                                                                         sulfur,    32.1g(1.0m)                                   17.38S                (B) sodium metal,                                                                         1.2g(0.05m)                                   found:58.6C,6.5H,17.5S                                                                               (S) --                                                   (b) 2-hydroxypropoxybenzene                                                                      13% (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      58.1g(1.0m)                                   (c) 1-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-                                                                    8%                                                          hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                   2. (a) 2-hydroxypropoxybenzene                                                                      41% (R) phenol,                                                                               94.1g(1.0m)                                                                            100%                                                                              130°C                                                                       6 hrs                                                                              1:1.5:0.125:3              Analysis:calc.:59.49C,7.49N,                                                                         sulfur,    48.1g(1.5m)                                   13.21S                (B) sodium metal,                                                                         2.9g(0.125m)                                  found:59.9C,7.6H,13.6S                                                                               (S) --                                                   (b) 1-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-                                                                   29% (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      166.1g(2.9m)                                  hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                      (c) 2,2'-di(2-hydroxypropoxy)                                                                     7%                                                          diphenyl sulfide and isomers,                                                  (i) 2,4'-di(2-hydroxypropoxy)-                                                 diphenyl sulfide                                                               (ii) 4,4'-di(2-hydroxypropoxy)-                                                diphenyl sulfide                                                            3. (a) 2-(2-hydroxypropylthio)phenol                                                                23% (R) phenol,                                                                               94.1g(1.0m)                                                                             52%                                                                              130°C                                                                       2 hrs                                                                              1:1:0.05:1                 (b) 1-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-                                                                    1% sulfur,    32.6g(1.0m)                                   hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                                            (B) sodium metal,                                                                         1.2g(0.05m)                                                         (S) --                                                                         (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      58.1g(1.0m)                                4. (a) 1-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-                                                                   17% (R) phenol,                                                                               94.1g(1.0m)                                                                            100%                                                                              130°C                                                                       5 hrs                                                                              1:1:0.125:2                hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                                            sulfur,    32.1g(1.0m)                                   (b) 2,2'-di(2-hydroxypropoxy)                                                                     7% (B) sodium metal                                                                          2.88g(0.125m)                                 diphenyl sulfide      (S) --                                                                         (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      106.2g(1.8m)                               5. (a) 1-hydroxyethoxybenzene                                                                       22% (R) phenol,                                                                               94.1g(1.0m)                                                                            100%                                                                              130°C                                                                       6 hrs                                                                              1:1.5:0.125:               (b) 1-(1-hydroxyethoxy)-2-(1-hydroxy-                                                            14% sulfur,    48.Og(1.5m)                                   ethylthio)benzene     (B) Sodium metal,                                                                         2.88g(0.125n)                                 Analysis:calc.:56.07C,6.59H,                                                                         (S) --                                                   14.94S                (P) ethylene oxide,                                                                       in excess g                                   found:55.9C,6.6H,15.2S                                                         (c) 2,2'-di(1-hydroxyethoxy)diphenyl                                                              1%                                                          sulfide                                                                     6. (a) 2-methyl-6-(2-hydroxypropylthio)-                                                            56% (R) o-cresol,                                                                             108.1g(1.0m)                                                                            59%                                                                              130°C                                                                        1.5hrs                                                                            1:1:0.05:1                 phenol                sulfur,    32.1g(1.0m)                                   Analysis:calc.:60.59C,7.12H,                                                                         (B) sodium metal,                                                                         1.2g(0.05m)                                   16.15S                (S) --                                                   found:60.4C,7.2H,16.5S                                                                               (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      58.1g(1.0m)                                   (b) di(2-hydroxypropyl)disulfide                                                                  26%,                                                                          (23.7g)                                                      (c) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-                                                              1%                                                          (2-hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                7. (a) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-                                                             32% (R) o-cresol,                                                                             108.1g(1.0m)                                                                            98%                                                                              130°C                                                                       7 hrs                                                                              1:1.5:0.05:2.7             (2-hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                                         sulfur,    48.0g(1.5m)                                   Analysis:calc.:60.92C,7.87H,                                                                         (B) sodium metal                                                                          1.2g(0.05m)                                   12.48S                (S) --                                                   found:61.4C,7.7H,13.0S                                                                               (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      159.1g(2.74m)                                 (b) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-                                                               25%,                                                         benzene           (40.1g)                                                      (c) di(2-hydroxypropyl)disulfide                                                                 7.3%,                                                                          (10.1g)                                                      (d) 3,3'-dimethyl-2,2'-(2-hydroxy-                                                                 3%,                                                        propoxy)diphenyl sulfide and                                                                     (5.9g)                                                       isomers                                                                     8. (a) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy-                                                                33% (R) o-cresol,                                                                             21.6g(0.2m)                                                                             60%                                                                              120°C                                                                        4.5hrs                                                                            1:1:0.05:1                 benzene               sulfur,    6.4g(0.2m)                                    (b) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-                                                             16% (B) sodium hydroxide,                                                                     0.4g(0.01m)                                   (2-hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                                         (S) N-methylpyrro-                                                                        124ml                                                               lidone, toluene,                                                                          80ml                                                                (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      11.62g(0.2m)                               9. (a) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-                                                                25%,                                                                              (R) o-cresol,                                                                             108.1g(1.0m)                                                                            99%                                                                              130°C                                                                       7 hrs                                                                              1:2:0.124:4                benzene           (41.6g)                                                                            sulfur,    64.1g(2.0m)                                   (b) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-                                                             19% (B) sodium metal,                                                                         2.9g(0.125m)                                  (2-hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                                         (S) --                                                   (c) 3,3'-dimethyl-2,2'-(2-hydroxy-                                                                1% (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      232.4g(4.0m)                                  propoxy)diphenyl sulfide                                                    10.                                                                               (a) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-                                                             24% (R) o-cresol,                                                                             108.1g(1.0m)                                                                           100%                                                                              130°C                                                                       5 hrs                                                                              1:2:0.05:3                 (2-hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                                         sulfur,    64.1g(2.0m)                                   (b) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-                                                               u.d.                                                                               (B) potassium cyanide,                                                                    3.26g(0.05m)                                  benzene               (S) --                                                                         (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      184.97g(3.2m)                                 (a) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-                                                             25% (R) o-cresol,                                                                             108.1g(1.0m)                                                                            89%                                                                              130°-                                                                        7.0hrs                                                                            1:2:0.05:2.7               (2-hydroxypropylthio)benzene                                                                         sulfur,    64.1g(2.0m)                                                                               140°C                       (b) 1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-                                                               11% (B) sodium metal,                                                                         1.2g(0.05m)                                   benzene               (S) --                                                                         (P) propylene oxide,                                                                      159.2g(2.7m)                               __________________________________________________________________________

The organomercaptophenols produced by this process are useful as monomers in the synthesis of esters, carbonates, ethers, epoxy compounds, among many other chemicals synthesized from monohydric phenols. In addition, the organomercaptophenols are also useful as antioxidants.

Several modifications and variations of the invention have been illustrated in the above examples and elsewhere in the disclosure. Accordingly, other modifications and variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of applicant's teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention described herein which changes are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:
 1. A process for the preparation of an organomercaptophenol which comprises the reaction of a member of the class consisting of sulfur, an alkali metal sulfide, an alkaline earth metal sulfide, or an ammonium sulfide with a phenol of the formula ##SPC3##wherein independently each R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy radicals, said reaction being carried out in the presence of (1) a base, (2) a member of the class consisting of an activated olefin or an epoxy compound, (3) and a solvent having a dielectric constant of less than about
 20. 2. The claim 1 process, wherein the mole ratio of said a phenol to said olefin or epoxy compound is within the range of from about 1:0.01 to about 1:100.
 3. The claim 2 process, wherein said mole ratio is equal to or less than about 1:3.
 4. The claim 1 process, wherein said reaction is carried out within a temperature range of from about 0° C. to about 200° C.
 5. The claim 4 process, wherein said temperature range is from about 80° C. to about 120° C.
 6. The claim 3 process, wherein the predominant organomercaptophenol is of the formula ##SPC4##wherein independently each R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) and R_(P) is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy radicals, R_(q) is selected from cyano, carbamoyl, hydrocarbyloxycarbonyl, oxyhydrocarbyl and hydroxy substituted monovalent acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals.
 7. The claim 1 process, wherein the mole ratio of phenol to base is from about 1:0.001 to about 1:5.
 8. The claim 7 process, wherein said mole ratio of phenol to base is from about 1:0.01 to about 1:2.
 9. The claim 1 process, wherein said activated olefin is of the formula ##EQU3## wherein independently at least one of the R_(a), R_(b), R_(c) and R_(d) substituents is selected from the electron-attracting group consisting of cyano, i.e. --CN; carbamoyl, i.e., --CON(R')₂ ; hydrocarbyloxycarbonyl, i.e., --COOR"; oxohydrocarbyl, i.e., --COR" radicals; wherein independently each R' represents hydrogen, acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, and independently R" represents acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals.
 10. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said epoxy compound is of the formula ##EQU4## wherein independently each R_(e) and R_(f) substituent is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals.
 11. A process for the preparation of an organomercaptophenol which comprises the reaction of a member of the class consisting of sulfur, an alkali metal sulfide, an alkaline earth metal sulfide, or an ammonium sulfide with a phenol of the formula ##SPC5##wherein independently each R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy radicals, said reaction being carried out in the presence of (1) a base, (2) a member of the class consisting of an activated olefin or an epoxy compound, (3) and a solvent having a dielectric constant of less than about 20 selected from the class consisting of said a phenol, hexane, 3-methylpentane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, isooctane, p-cymene, cumene, decalin, toluene, benzene, diethylether, diphenyl ether, dioxane, thiophene, dimethylsulfide, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, chlorobenzene, anisol, bromobenzene, t-butanol, ethanol, methanol, o-dichlorobenzene, methyl formate, iodobenzene, acetone, acetophenone, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The claim 1 process wherein said base selected from sodium, potassium, and magnesium metal; ammonium, sodium, potassium, lithium and calcium haldroxide; ammonium, sodium, lithium, and barium carbonates, sodium acetate, sodium benzoate, sodium methylate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulfide, sodium tetrasulfide, or sodium cyanate.
 13. The claim 12 process wherein said base is selected from sodium and potassium metal, sodium and potassium hydroxides and salts of sodium and potassium bases and weak organic acids.
 14. The claim 9 process, wherein said olefin contains from about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms.
 15. The claim 14 process wherein said olefin contains from about 3 to about 5 carbon atoms.
 16. The claim 10 process wherein said epoxy compound contains from aboout 2 to about 10 carbon atoms.
 17. The claim 16 process wherein said epoxy contains from about 2 to about 5 carbon atoms.
 18. The claim 1 process wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from hydrogen and lower alkyl C₁₋₂ radicals.
 19. The claim 18 process wherein said phenol is selected from phenol and isomeric methyl phenols.
 20. The claim 15 process wherein said activated olefin is a mono olefinic hydrocarbon.
 21. The claim 20 process wherein said mono olefin is propylene.
 22. The claim 17 process wherein said epoxy is ethylene oxide.
 23. The claim 17 process wherein the epoxy is propylene oxide.
 24. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein the organomercaptophenol has the formula ##SPC6##wherein independently each R_(m), R_(n), R_(o) and R_(P) is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbon and hydrocarbonoxy radicals, R_(q) is selected from cyano, carbamoyl, oxycarbonyl, oxyhydrocarbyl and hydroxy substituted monovalent acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, and R_(z) is a monovalent substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and cyano, carbamoyl, oxycarbonyl, oxyhydrocarbyl and hydroxy substituted monovalent acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals. 